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Todd howard promises classic rpg style in elder scrolls 6

Todd Howard Promises Classic Bethesda RPG Experience | Elder Scrolls 6 to Return to Roots

By

Chloe Kim

Feb 20, 2026, 02:38 PM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

3 minutes of duration

Todd Howard discussing the return of classic RPG elements in Elder Scrolls 6
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The anticipation builds as Todd Howard announces the next installment in the Elder Scrolls franchise will return to the classic RPG roots established in Skyrim after a sidestep with Fallout 76 and Starfield. Sources confirm this statement, sparking both excitement and skepticism among gamers.

Howard stated, "We're coming back to that classic style that we've missed, that we know really well." This announcement resonates with fans who long for the expansive narratives and immersive worlds Bethesda once delivered.

The Controversy Surrounding Bethesda's Recent Offerings

Bethesda has faced its share of backlash following issues in recent releases:

  • Fallout 76 struggled with bugs and player dissatisfaction.

  • Starfield, while ambitious, didnโ€™t meet everyone's expectations.

As Howard aims to shift the focus back to traditional gameplay, comments from the community reflect a mixture of hope and skepticism. One user stated, "In other words he is doing PR work," while another expressed a longing for a โ€œfun 40hr singleplayer RPG like Oblivion or Skyrim.โ€ Interestingly, sentiments differ significantly, showing a divide between those wanting a nostalgic return and those critical of past failings.

Key Community Sentiments

Here are three key themes arising from community reactions:

  • Nostalgia for Classic RPG Elements: Many users are eager for the expansive world-building and rich storytelling found in earlier games like Morrowind and Oblivion.

  • Skepticism about Execution: Concerns linger about the game's quality and the potential for bugs, with comments like, "Weโ€™re going to have loading screens on every door entry arenโ€™t we" resurfacing old frustrations.

  • Desire for Innovation: A faction of the community pushes for new mechanics, such as integrated settlement systems without completely shifting the focus from classic gameplay elements.

Howard's remarks suggest a clear desire to satisfy longtime fans. Yet, he faces the challenge of satisfying a user base that simultaneously seeks familiarity and fresh innovation.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”น Nostalgia is strong: Many fans reminisce about the magic of Skyrim.

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Skepticism persists: Concerns about bugs and old mechanics have fans wary.

  • โฐ Aiming for a balance: Howard seems to indicate a blend of classic gaming with a touch of new ideas.

Is Bethesda ready to deliver a masterpiece or is this just another swing at a nostalgic fanbase? Only time will tell as development continues on Elder Scrolls 6.

What Lies Ahead for Elder Scrolls 6

With Todd Howard steering the ship back to classic RPG elements, there's a good chance that Elder Scrolls 6 will emphasize story and world-building similar to its predecessors. Experts estimate about a 70% likelihood that the game will feature open-world mechanics that allow for player-driven narratives, which fans have longed for. However, given Bethesda's recent history with bugs, there remains a 50% probability that visible issues could resurface at launch, especially considering the ambitious scope. Balancing nostalgia with innovation will be crucial; thereโ€™s an estimated 40% chance that they will implement new gameplay systems, but itโ€™s vital that they donโ€™t alienate traditional fans seeking familiarity.

A Historical Echo

Looking back, the challenges Bethesda faces are reminiscent of the early 2000s music scene when many artists struggled to evolve while trying to stay true to their roots. Bands like Radiohead navigated a tricky path, transitioning from commercially successful albums to more experimental sounds that divided their fan base. Similarly, Bethesda stands at a crossroads, needing to preserve the essence of what made their games beloved while also exploring new creative territories. Just as those artists eventually found a balance that allowed them to thrive, Bethesda may very well chart a similar course in bringing Elder Scrolls 6 to life.